Best LPN Programs in Cincinnati 2026

Find Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Cincinnati, Ohio with information on schools, classes, tuition, and clinical training. Learn about licensing requirements and nursing career opportunities in the Cincinnati area.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.
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Cincinnati Ohio LPN programs offering practical nursing education and hands-on clinical experience for entry-level nursing careers

2026 Best LPN Programs in Cincinnati, OH

Looking for the best LPN programs in Cincinnati, OH? You have come to the right place. PracticalNursing.org has carefully reviewed and ranked the top programs in the area to help you make a smart choice. Our rankings consider important factors like program quality, student success, and affordability. We aim to give you clear, reliable information so you can start your nursing career with confidence. Check out our detailed list to find a program that fits your needs and goals. https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

ATA College-Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH - Private 4-year - ata.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

ATA College-Cincinnati's 15-month Practical Nursing diploma program provides an accelerated hybrid pathway combining online coursework with hands-on lab training and clinical experience. This program requires no prerequisites or waiting list, offering immediate enrollment opportunities. Students develop critical thinking skills and comprehensive nursing knowledge through experienced faculty instruction. The curriculum prepares graduates for NCLEX-PN licensure and includes career placement assistance. With provisional OBN approval and flexible day class schedules, this program efficiently prepares students for various healthcare settings without entrance exam requirements.

  • 15-Month Diploma Program
  • No prerequisites required
  • No waiting list
  • Hybrid program
  • Online and on-campus labs
  • Clinical experience included
  • NCLEX-PN eligibility
  • Accelerated track
  • Experienced faculty
  • Critical thinking focus
#2

Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH - Private 4-year - galencollege.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical/Vocational Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati offers a Practical/Vocational Nursing program that can be completed in just 12 months full-time or 21 months part-time, with four start dates per year for flexibility. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on clinical coursework and practice-based training to thoroughly prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, and financial aid is available to eligible students. This program is ideal for individuals starting their nursing careers, providing a direct path to becoming an LPN in a high-demand field without requiring entrance exams.

  • 12 months full-time
  • 21 months part-time
  • On Campus
  • Four start times yearly
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam
  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Financial aid available
  • Engaging clinical coursework
  • Practice-based training
  • Rewarding, in-demand career
#3

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

Cincinnati, OH - Public 4-Year - cincinnatistate.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate

Campus Based - Visit Website

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College offers a three-semester Practical Nursing Certificate program that equips students for diverse healthcare roles. The curriculum spans maternal, adult, child, and gerontological care, with clinical practice in settings like medical offices and long-term facilities. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-PN exam, leading to licensure. Admission mandates a 2.50 GPA, selective enrollment completion, and state-tested nurse aide certification. With 39 credits and approval from the State Board of Nursing, this program supports career growth in a field with a median salary of $53,472 and strong job projections.

  • Three-semester comprehensive program
  • NCLEX-PN exam preparation
  • 2.50 GPA admission requirement
  • Diverse clinical practice settings
  • 39 total program credits
  • State Board of Nursing approved
  • Career opportunities in multiple healthcare environments
*Citation: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023. Available at: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Cincinnati LPN Program Overview

Licensed Practical Nurses play a hands-on role in Cincinnati’s healthcare system by providing bedside care, medication administration within Ohio’s scope of practice, wound care, patient education, and support to registered nurses and physicians. In Ohio, LPNs practice under the direction of an RN, physician, or other authorized provider, and their education is designed to prepare them for direct patient care in both acute and long-term settings.

Cincinnati serves as a regional medical hub for Southwest Ohio, with a mix of academic and community hospitals, primary care and specialty clinics, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing and long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. These settings employ large numbers of practical nurses for inpatient units, outpatient clinics, extended care, and home-based services. State labor market information and national employment data consistently indicate steady demand for LPNs in Ohio, particularly in long-term care, rehabilitation, and home health, reflecting the needs of an aging population and ongoing access to outpatient services.

Local LPN programs in Cincinnati are typically offered through public career centers and community colleges. While curricula vary by institution, common timelines include:

  • Full-time day programs that can be completed in about 12 months, designed for continuous, immersive study.
  • Part-time or evening/weekend options that span approximately 18 to 24 months, accommodating working adults.

Programs combine classroom instruction with skills lab and supervised clinical rotations at area hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. This structure is intended to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN and safe entry-level practice.

The Ohio Board of Nursing approves practical nursing programs and oversees licensure for LPNs in the state. Graduates of approved programs must pass the NCLEX-PN to obtain licensure in Ohio. For current rules, scope of practice information, and program approval status, consult the Ohio Board of Nursing.

Employment Opportunities for LPNs in Cincinnati

The healthcare landscape in Cincinnati, Ohio, presents a robust and varied array of employment opportunities for Licensed Practical Nurses. LPNs are consistently in demand across the region, reflecting a crucial need for their skilled care in diverse settings.

LPNs in Cincinnati can find roles across a broad spectrum of healthcare facilities, where they provide direct patient care, administer medications, monitor patient progress, and ensure safe environments. These settings commonly include:

  • Hospitals and Healthcare Systems:Major employers such as UC Health, which operates UC Medical Center and West Chester Hospital, frequently offer LPN positions. TriHealth also actively seeks LPNs for various roles, including within their extensive network of physician offices. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center employs LPNs, particularly for private duty pediatric home care.
  • Nursing Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities:These facilities are significant employers of LPNs, with examples including Bridgetown Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre, Delhi Post Acute, Mount Washington Care Center, Sanctuary Pointe Nursing & Rehab, Garden Park Care Center, Triple Creek Retirement Community, and The Mariemont Care Center.
  • Rehabilitation Centers:LPNs assist patients recovering from illness, injury, or surgery at centers like Madeira Health Care Center and Encompass Health.
  • Senior Living Facilities:This category encompasses assisted living, independent living, and continuing care retirement communities. Employers such as Brookdale Senior Living, Maple Knoll Communities (Maple Knoll Village), Wallick Senior Living (The Ashford of Mt. Washington), Evergreen Retirement Community, Senior Lifestyle, and Episcopal Retirement Services frequently seek LPNs for resident care.
  • Home Health Agencies:LPNs provide quality patient care and technical skilled care in patients’ homes. Prominent agencies include LHC Group (Caretenders Home Health), Professional Case Management, American-Mercy Home Care, Interim HealthCare, and BrightStar Care of Cincinnati.
  • Private Practices, Physician Offices, and Outpatient Clinics:LPNs support physicians and registered nurses in providing clinical care, administering medications, and assisting with procedures in settings like TriHealth’s physician offices and facilities under The HealthCare Connection Inc.
  • Correctional Centers:Hamilton County, Ohio, employs LPNs for roles such as Nurse – LPN at facilities like the River City Correctional Center.
  • Managed Care Organizations:Organizations such as Molina Healthcare hire LPNs for Field Care Manager roles, which often involve working with members with disabilities or chronic conditions.

In addition to these primary employers, smaller facilities and networks also contribute significantly to LPN employment in Cincinnati. Staffing agencies like IntelyCare, Arcadia Home Care and Staffing, and Veracity Resourcing & Services actively place LPNs in various facilities and home health settings, offering flexible schedules and competitive pay.

List of LPN Programs in Cincinnati, OH

Looking for LPN programs in Cincinnati, Ohio? You are in the right place. This list helps you find schools that offer practical nursing training. Each entry shows the city and state, key program features, and a link to learn more. Use these details to compare options and start your journey toward a rewarding career in healthcare. Explore the table below to get started.
Jump to City:

Cincinnati, OH

ATA College-Cincinnati

  • Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 15-Month Diploma Program
    • No prerequisites required
    • No waiting list
    • Hybrid program
    • Online and on-campus labs
    • Clinical experience included
    • NCLEX-PN eligibility
    • Accelerated track

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate

    Campus Based - Website

    • Three-semester comprehensive program
    • NCLEX-PN exam preparation
    • 2.50 GPA admission requirement
    • Diverse clinical practice settings
    • 39 total program credits
    • State Board of Nursing approved
    • Career opportunities in multiple healthcare environments

Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati

  • Certificate/Diploma - Practical/Vocational Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12 months full-time
    • 21 months part-time
    • On Campus
    • Four start times yearly
    • Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam
    • High school diploma or GED required
    • Financial aid available
    • Engaging clinical coursework
*Dataset citation: NCES. (2023). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/